The Black Devils' March: A Doomed Odyssey The 1st Polish Armoured Division 1939-1945

The Black Devils March is an account of how the 1st (and only) Polish Armoured Division in the West under the leadership of General Stanislaw Maczek, arose out of the ashes of defeat and while attempting to avoid the internal politics of the Polish Government in Exile, was able to return to Europe in August 1944 on the side of the Western Allies. In Europe the Division achieved glory, honour and victory but was unable to liberate Poland owing to the politics of the post-war settlement in Europe.

The account of the formation and combat service of the Division is fully researched from Polish, English and German sources, and includes training in Scotland, the unit’s sharp introduction to warfare in the Normandy bocage, the Falaise Gap and Hill 262, the advance into Belgium and Holland, and final victory on German soil. The text is supported by nearly 100 photographs (many previously unpublished), maps, and detailed appendices, including a list of the Division’s medal recipients.

The politics of the Polish Army are examined as well as the historical legacy of the Polish soldier in exile. This helps the reader understand the frustration of the Poles as they sought to form an armoured unit - not only was it of value as part of the Polish Army fighting alongside the Allies, it was also of considerable political value to the Poles as they sought to preserve their dignity and sovereignty. The conclusion points to a rather hollow victory for the Poles by May 1945, as Germany may have been vanquished but Poland remained occupied, this time by the Soviet Union.

- Much of the book was researched from hard-to-find Polish sources
- The text is supported by nearly 100 photographs (many previously unpublished), maps and appendices
- The campaign in Normandy is covered in detail, especially the battle for Hill 262; an action normally ignored in the West, but vital to the Allied breakout
- The nitty-gritty of campaigning following the breakout from Normandy is fully described, as the Division had to contest with the Germans for every bridge, river and canal crossing in the Low Countries
- Offers an overview of the Division’s role in the Polish experience of World War II

McGilvray, Evan

Hardcover large format 160 pages 94 photos, 9 maps

The Black Devils' March: A Doomed Odyssey The 1st Polish Armoured Division 1939-1945

Book Code:  HE0014